OEM vs Full Retail

[Linda]

I am purchasing several copies of Office XP Pro for new computers - sites
offer what they call 'full retail' and 'OEM' versions of the product - what
is the difference if you are buying from the web? Can I buy the OEM
version? I want them to be completely legal of course - why 2 versions and
what is the difference?
Thanks,
Linda

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

OEM versions of Windows XP:

-- cannot upgrade over an existing Windows installation.
-- must be installed "clean" on a freshly reformatted drive or partition.
-- cannot be transferred to a different computer in the future.
-- the license cannot be sold or transferred to another user.
-- are not eligible for free Microsoft technical support.
-- must be purchased with some type of computer hardware.
-- any problems whatsoever with the installation CD or Product Key.
is not eligible for Microsoft support....you have to deal with the "seller".
-- cost less than "retail versions" due to the above limitations/risks.

Should you purchase an OEM license version of XP?
http://www.tek-tips.com/gfaqs.cfm/pid/779/fid/4004

Other than the above noted exceptions, an OEM version of Windows XP
does not operationally differ from a "retail version".

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

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|I am purchasing several copies of Office XP Pro for new computers - sites
| offer what they call 'full retail' and 'OEM' versions of the product - what
| is the difference if you are buying from the web? Can I buy the OEM
| version? I want them to be completely legal of course - why 2 versions and
| what is the difference?
| Thanks,
| Linda

 

[Linda]

Thanks - full retail it is - especially for the availability of future
upgrades.
Linda

 

[Mel]

stay away from that over the web stuff...mostly OEM's pirated from laptops,
etc.....your goin be sorry.....those people have absolutely no scruples...

 

[Ron Martell]

Thanks - full retail it is - especially for the availability of future
upgrades.

An OEM version can almost always be upgraded to a newer release of
Windows by using a Retail Upgrade version of the newer release, and
likewise Microsoft Service Packs for Windows XP will install okay on
an OEM version.

The upgrade problem with OEM versions is that if you have an existing
installed version of Windows (e.g. 98/98SE/Me/NT4/2000) then you
cannot upgrade that installed version to Windows XP with an OEM
version of Windows XP. You require a Retail Upgrade or Retail Full
Install version in order to do this.

Hope this clarifies the situation.

Goodl uck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."